| Staying in a vacation rental home is very different | | | | outside the country you have no way of knowing |
| from staying at a hotel. Everything is well, more | | | | what energy rates are. They can be quite |
| personal - from staff services to that vase in the | | | | expensive in some locations. Guests who leave on |
| corner the owner handpicked in Hong Kong. You're | | | | all day tours with the A/Cs on because they |
| staying in someone's home not in a concrete and | | | | want the house to be cool when they return will |
| glass building owned by some anonymous | | | | be frowned upon by homeowners. Remember to |
| corporation. The money you'll save and the great | | | | be a considerate energy saver and turn off all the |
| experiences you'll have will likely keep you coming | | | | lights and A/C's in rooms you aren't using and |
| back. Make sure you avoid these blunders and | | | | whenever you leave the house. |
| you'll be a guest everyone wants to see again | | | | Blunder #3 - Forgetting to Tip the Staff |
| and again. | | | | Tips for the staff are not included in the rental |
| Blunder #1 - Not Taking Responsibility for | | | | fee. Unlike hotels whose staff can't afford to |
| Damages you Incur | | | | spend too much time on any one guest, luxury |
| I'm not talking about normal wear and tear. | | | | vacation homeowners have staff to personally |
| Homeowners expect to replace worn linens and | | | | serve you. Because you see the housekeeper |
| towels once a year. But did you accidentally break | | | | everyday you may remember to tip her but |
| a vase or leave beach towels in a taxi? Did you | | | | what about others who may have worked hard |
| throw your new red shirt in the washer with the | | | | behind the scenes? Did the maintenance man |
| house linens and turn them pink? If you damaged | | | | come over at 11:00 P.M. to fix a broken toilet? |
| or lost something, pay for it graciously. Better | | | | Was there a security guard who left his family |
| yet, 'fess up about it before it's reported by the | | | | alone to stay awake all night to keep you and |
| staff who takes inventory on a regular if not daily | | | | your family safe? |
| basis. Vacation homeowners will remember if you | | | | Keep in mind that especially in foreign countries |
| deny the damages or throw a fit and you won't | | | | the staff may earn very little and a generous tip |
| be welcomed back. If by chance the loss is | | | | will make a significant difference in their lives. It will |
| overlooked during check-out you can bet the | | | | also make you a favored guest upon return. |
| staff will catch it soon thereafter. Homeowners | | | | Everyone likes to be appreciated for their hard |
| must replace lost and damaged items in time for | | | | work. Depending on the length of your stay and |
| the arrival of the next guest. Depending on the | | | | the quality of the service $20-$50 per person |
| location, the owner may have to drive for hours | | | | may be about right. The concierge's tip will depend |
| to the "big city" only to discover the item is out | | | | upon the services you received. When in doubt |
| of stock or can never be replaced. Be a | | | | check the in-house Guide Book or ask the |
| considerate guest and pay with a smile and an | | | | concierge. |
| apology. | | | | The vacation home you rent may be the |
| Blunder #2 - Running the A/C 24 Hours a Day | | | | homeowner's second home - the one he brings |
| Yes, you're paying for luxury at your vacation | | | | his family to for vacations. He may have even |
| rental home but leaving the air conditioners or | | | | poured his heart and soul into building it. Respect it |
| lights on 24 hours a day is wasteful, abusive and | | | | as you would your own home and you'll be |
| can result in an astronomical electric bill of $1000 | | | | welcomed back with a smile. |
| or more for the homeowner. If you're traveling | | | | |